why we exist:
TO CREATE A BRIGHTER WORLD FOR AFGHANISTAN’S CHILDREN AND YOUTH BY PROMOTING JOY, HOPE, AND PEACE THROUGH CIRCUS!
We believe all children need a safe community where they can laugh, learn, grow, and express themselves. In a country where many children have experienced trauma as a result of years of conflict this is especially important. We are investing in the future generation, who are the hope of Afghanistan!
Our Story
Ustad Hamid, the founder of Parwana Circus, discovered the art of circus in 2001. He has since dedicated his life to serving the children of his beloved homeland, Afghanistan, inspiring them with the joy of circus. Previously with the Afghan Educational Circus for Children and the Mobile Mini Circus for Children, Hamid directed many circus programs and public performances. In 2021, with the support of AECC and MMCC, Hamid launched his own initiative to create an afghan-led community circus: Parwana Circus. His dream is to see the children and youth of Afghanistan grow, thrive, and fly like butterflies, sharing the beauty of afghan culture with the world!
Since its inception, Afghan Parwana Circus has grown steadily, adapting to the changing social and political climate of Afghanistan and responding to the needs of the populations we serve. We have run programs in schools, parks, IDP camps, gymns, and neighborhoods. Now Parwana Circus is thrilled to have our own center to base our programs from and we are excited to see what this next chapter holds!
Who we are:
Afghan Parwana Circus for Children and Youth is a social circus project based in Kabul, Afghanistan, dedicated to creating a brighter world for the children and youth of Afghanistan engagment in performing arts. Afghan Parwana Circus is registerd as a nonprofit NGO with the government of Afghanistan, and is supported by an international board of directors who guide and facilitate the programs in Kabul.
What we do:
We conduct social circus and educational programs designed to promote the physical, mental, emotional, and social health and wellbeing of children and youth.
play
All kids need a space to be kids! Through play they have the chance to explore, collaborate, and be creative. Oh, and have fun!
Learn
Our students learn circus skills such as juggling, acrobatics, and comedy, growing both mind and bodies.
Inspire
Art is meant to be shared, and our students love puting on shows at schools, parks, and local celebrations.
Lead
Our advanced students become trainers, passing on the skills they have learned to other kids and developing leadership skills themselves.
Benefits of Social Circus
Our programs are more than just fun and games – they are designed to promote children’s overall health and wellbeing in four areas:
Pysical
Physical exercise is one of the most important things for a child’s development and long term health. Our students build strength, endurance, and flexibility while learning to care for their bodies.
Emotional
Play, laughter, and exercise release powerful endorphines that enhance mood and release stress. Furthermore, bilateral stimulation and cross body exercises can help children process emotional trauma.
Mental
Learning a new skill such as juggling developes the brain and improves concentration. Our students can focus better in class when they have an outlet for their energy!
social
Children in our programs learn to cooperate, communicate, and work together as a team. We provide them with a safe community and supportive network that helps them build resilience.